Malaysian-born billionaire Ananda Krishnan, the owner of Kia Ora Stud and co-owner of Vinery Stud, died on Thursday at the age of 86.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the demise of our chairman, Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, who passed away peacefully on 28 November 2024,” it said in a statement issued by his firm, Usaha Tegas.
“The family has requested privacy to mourn his passing. Ananda made significant contributions to nation-building and the corporate world. His philanthropic initiatives have touched many lives.”
In Australia his presence in the racing and breeding worlds has been a constant over the past 20 years.
Krishnan purchased elite Hunter Valley nursery Kia Ora in 2000 and commenced standing stallions at the farm in 2021 with foundation sires Farnan and Prague now joined by a third stallion Captivant.
Krishnan, who was ranked as Malaysia’s sixth-richest person by the Forbes 2024 Billionaires List with a net worth of US$5.1 billion (approx. AU$7.85 billion), was a keen investor in imported broodmares and particularly those from the US achieving notable success for producing horses such as Group I winners Loving Gaby, Wild Ruler and Wellington.
Kia Ora also bred and sold stakes-winning Fastnet Rock mare Miss Debutante, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Lady of Camelot and Group winners Platinum Jubilee and Queen of the Ball making her one of the most valuable brood mares in the country.
Kia Ora share in the ownership of a number of high profile colts still racing including Prost, who closed out his spring winning the $1million Group II ATC Callender Presnell.
